Somerset

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Somerset's population is around 4,414 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 347 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,067 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,228 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 164 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Somerset's 8.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 83.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 357 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 179 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Somerset according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Somerset has experienced around 12 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 60 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.7 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $294,000. Additionally, $554,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Tas., Somerset has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 34th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 473 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Somerset may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Somerset has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and Marinus Link, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Somerset has been broadly consistent with national averages

Somerset has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.5%, and 6.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,974 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional Tas.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (55.9% compared to Regional Tas.'s 58.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.5% versus the regional average of 8.4%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 6.1% alongside labour force increasing by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Tas., where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew by 1.5%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Somerset. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Somerset's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Somerset SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,036, with an average of $60,526. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Tas.'s median of $49,689 and average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,031 (median) and $66,336 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Somerset all fall between the 7th and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 29.7% earning $400 - 799 weekly (1,310 residents), unlike trends in the metropolitan region where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing, 86.2% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 10th percentile nationally.

Somerset is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Somerset, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Somerset was in line with that of Regional Tas., at 41.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Tas. average at $1,192, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Tas.'s $1,274 and $250. Nationally, Somerset's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.1% of all households, comprising 20.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Somerset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Somerset, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 83 individual routes, collectively providing 5,699 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 241 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 814 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 178 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Somerset is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Somerset, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions has marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,171 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0 and 10.6% of residents, respectively, while 58.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.0% across Regional Tas. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,215 people), which is higher than the 24.9% in Regional Tas. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Somerset placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Somerset was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Somerset is Christianity, which makes up 43.1% of people in Somerset. This compares to 43.0% across Regional Tas..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Somerset are Australian, comprising 35.0% of the population, English, comprising 34.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.7% of Somerset (vs 4.1% regionally), Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.7%) and Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Somerset hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 49 years, Somerset's median age is significantly above the Regional Tas. average of 45 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Tas. average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.3% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 13.5% to 14.9% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 15.3% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.4% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 5.2% to 4.1%. By 2041, Somerset is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 32% (131 people), reaching 538 from 406. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, both 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.